Mother's tone of voice during first trimester matters!

I'm reading a great book right now! Heaven on Earth, by Sharifa Oppenheimer, is the most fantastic parenting book I've come across in a very long time. I just read that the tone of a Mother's voice during the first trimester elicits specific muscular responses from the fetus. These movements lay down neural pathways in the developing brain. Stimuli is categorized as stressful or not. Hmmm...interesting! A happy mom helps to establish the framework for a happy baby.

Epsom salts absorb EMR!

Arnel was at a great seminar this week. The main topic of discussion was the effect of environmental toxicity on hormonal function. A lot of us don't think about electromagnetic radiation as a toxin because we can't see it...but it is all around us! Our computers, cell phones, cordless telephones and alarm clocks are all sources. Apparently, flat screen TVs are one of the most toxic sources! EMR is damaging to our DNA, and is increasingly becoming a major factor in infertility. Arnel was excited to learn that epsom salts are one of the most effective ways to absorb the harmful effects of EMR. Regularly bathing in epsom salts, as well as placing small bags of epsom salts strategically around the house is a great place to start!

It's never too early for festive recipes! Vegan egg nog

I know, I know...it's a bit early, but it's great to try out new festive recipes BEFORE serving them at your holiday gathering, so I am really excited to pass this along! I got this from a blog I follow, Elana's Pantry. Egg nog is so delicious, but not always easy on the gut for those with food sensitivities. This recipe is free of dairy, egg and gluten (it does contain nuts though).


Vegan Eggnog
3 cups almonds
4 cups water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons agave nectar
2 tablespoons yacón syrup
2 teaspoons nutmeg, ground
¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
pinch cloves, ground

1.Soak almonds overnight
2.Discard soaking water and rinse almonds in a deep bowl of water, repeat until water is clear
3.Place soaked almonds and 4 cups of water in a high powered blender or processor.
4.Blend on highest speed for 90 seconds
5.Strain milk through a fine mesh paint bag, discarding solids
6.Place almond milk in a mason jar
7.Add agave, yacón, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, then shake well
8.Refrigerate until cold and serve

FYI: What the heck is yacon syrup anyway?
The syrup is derived from the roots of the yacon plant, and is a rich source of antioxidants. The root is also high in fructooligosaccharides, or FOS. This provides the sweet flavour. (Probiotics feast on FOS! Great for your immunity and digestive tracts).

Because the body cannot process FOS, it passes through the system without leaving behind absorbable sugar compounds, so it has a low glycemic effect on the body. It also is relatively low in calories, compared to most other sweeteners.

Yacon syrup is often compared to molasses, caramel, or honey in taste, with a deep and rich flavor. It easily substitutes for maple sugar or molasses in recipes, and can be used to sweeten beverages.

If you try the recipe, let us know that you thought!

Benefect - my favorite disinfectant!

A lot of people are asking me what I use to keep surfaces disinfected when I'm out with the kids in public places. Benefect is my all-time favorite disinfectant. I love it because I can use it anywhere, on any surface. During the cold and flu season I take a travel size bottle of it around to clean off grocery cart handles, toys and other surfaces our family comes into contact with. At Moksha Yoga Calgary, we use Benefect to keep our studio immaculately clean. It's awesome. Here's why:

Benefect is 100% natural. It is made from biodegradable, renewable, botanically pure plant extracts with pleasant aromatherapeutic vapours. There are no added artificial dyes or fragrances.

It is scientifically proven to kill 99.99% of all germs…naturally. Use on kids toys, diaper change tables, garbage cans, door knobs, toilet seats, sickrooms, high chairs, counter tops, cutting boards and many other places where germs are spread.

Most other disinfectants use toxic chemicals to kill germs which are unnecessary and unhealthy. In nature, plants must defend themselves against germs and illness. Plants produce substances to kill germs and only germs, without harming the plants' healthy tissue. Benefect is a synergistic mixture of the plant extracts that are the most effective against germs and the safest for humans.

The federal Bureau of Chemical Safety has even confirmed that Benefect™ is suitable for use on food contact surfaces without a rinse or a wipe. Benefect™ is the ONLY disinfectant with no warning labels or cautions for use AND it kills more germs than Lysol or Clorox sprays!!

It's a great product, check it out!